Land Rover BAR set to take part in Silverstone Time Trial Challenge

Land Rover BAR set to take part in Silverstone Time Trial Challenge © Harry KH / Land Rover BAR

Sir Ben Ainslie announced today that members of his British America's Cup team, Land Rover BAR, will be joining thousands of others in a cycling time trial event being held at the legendary Silverstone race track.

The Silverstone Time Trial Challenge (STTC) takes place on the 2nd October at the British home of Formula 1. Ainslie commented about his team's entry into the event: "Cycling plays a key role part of our physical training programme, but we also have a number of very keen and quick cyclists within our wider team who are looking forward to getting onto the track." Ben Ainslie's team will not just be racing against the clock and the public they will also be setting lap times alongside other elite sportspeople. These include triathletes, Olympians and members from the UK's pre-eminent cycling team, Team Sky.

The proceeds of the event will go to Operation Smile, a global international medical charity, which provides free surgeries to children in developing countries who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities.

Organisers are keen to emphasise that the event is open to everyone whatever their cycling experience and have welcomed both elite cyclist and family group entries. Maria Moore, STTC event organiser and Operation Smile Chairperson, "We wanted to create an incredible day for cyclists of all abilities, without fear of cars or potholes, on one of the most iconic pieces of tarmac in the world."

Sir Ben added, "We are delighted to be supporting the Silverstone Time Trial Challenge and the great work that Operation Smile does around the globe." As well as taking part in the event Land Rover BAR is also offering an amazing prize for the teams that set the fastest time in the 25 mile team challenge. The fastest male and female teams will win the unique opportunity to sail with the Land Rover BAR team on board one of their foiling test boats. This fantastic prize will give the winning teams an unforgettable chance to experience exciting sailing action.

Further details on the STTC and the T&Cs for the prizes can be found at the Silverstone Time Trial Challenge website www.silverstonettc.org.uk

About Operation Smile

Operation Smile is an international medical charity, which provides free surgeries to children in developing countries who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities. It is one of the oldest and largest volunteer-based organizations dedicated to improving the health and lives of children worldwide through access to surgical care. Since it was founded in 1982, Operation Smile has developed expertise in mobilizing volunteer medical teams to conduct surgical missions in resource-poor environments while adhering to the highest standards of care and safety. Operation Smile helps to fill the gap in providing access to safe, well-timed surgeries by partnering with hospitals, governments and ministries of health, training local medical personnel, and donating much-needed supplies and equipment to surgical sites around the world. Operation Smile has a presence in more than 60 countries and a global network of credentialed surgeons, paediatricians, doctors, nurses, and student volunteers.